electrial question concerning electric heat?

Question

If an electrical wall heater is rated for 277 can you run it on 240 volts. Ive hooked one up that was rated for 208 to 240 and it works fine. but im not sure if going from 277 to 240 is a good thing to do because there is a neutral in 277 and no neutral in 208 or 240. But an electric heater is a simple resistive circut like a light bulb so will it work with two hot phases and no neutral .

im pretty sure there is something else that happens with the resistance of the wall heater when you change its rated voltage.but i dont remember and would really appreciate some one explaining it again

come on people were are all the Smart people i need a real answer not guesses

Answer 1

Resistive heating elements will work at lower voltages, they just won't produce as much heat. If the heater includes a blower motor designed for 3-phase it won't work on 2-phase power. If the heater has a blower you shouldn't try to run it without one, as it will overheat and possibly start a fire.

Answer 2

I don't see any problem unless the coil resistance or length is adjustable( like if you have an adjustable knob in the front of the heater), because lower voltage whether it is single phase or 3 phase will always produce lower current across the same resistance and therefore lower heat rate. Of course you must make sure that your neutral is properly grounded.

Answer 3

The heating element is designed with a voltage in mind. The breakdown voltage should not be exceeded or u might have sparks and fire. there is normally a 50% safety factor but with so much of this junk coming from china I wouldn't want to depend on it.

Answer 4

read the diagram closely. if it says "up to 277 v.a.c." youll be o.k. if it says specifically 277 vac youll burn it up

Answer 5

I would make dern sure it was grounded well and keep a close eye on it for a while